Former President George W. Bush was to receive the Improving the Human Condition Award at the University of Denver before a petition citing a “legacy of human rights abuses” was circulated. (The Washington Times)

Former President George W. Bush was to receive the Improving the Human Condition Award at the University of Denver before a petition citing a “legacy of human rights abuses” was circulated. (The Washington Times)

Former President George W. Bush was to receive the Improving the Human Condition Award at the University of Denver before a petition citing a "legacy of human rights abuses" was circulated. (The Washington Times)

** FILE ** Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Obama speak during the first presidential debate, at the University of Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Goldman/Eric Gay)

** FILE ** Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Obama speak during the first presidential debate, at the University of Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Goldman/Eric Gay)

** FILE ** Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Obama speak during the first presidential debate at the University of Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Goldman/Eric Gay)

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Obama wave to the audience during the first presidential debate at the University of Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

** FILE ** Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Obama speak during the first presidential debate at the University of Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Goldman/Eric Gay)

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama shake hands after the first presidential debate at the University of Denver, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

** FILE ** Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Obama speak during the first presidential debate at the University of Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Goldman/Eric Gay)

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Obama wave to the audience during the first presidential debate at the University of Denver on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)

In a photo combo, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama speak during the first presidential debate at the University of Denver, Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Goldman/Eric Gay)